“We don’t have the authority to ticket, all we have the authority is to manage our property.”

Reporter: “So you don’t have the authority to issue a ticket or any sort of penalty if someone is caught, or refuses, to quit smoking.”

“At the end of the day we do have the ability to refuse service.”

Starting May 31, for one year, there will be designated smoking areas for staff to help them adjust to the company’s new policy.

“We are all about fresh mountain air and a pristine alpine environment, so I think going smoke free makes sense. We are moving into this at a pretty soft approach, number one is we want to make sure people are aware of it, number two, hopefully out of respect of the guests and the environment they will understand, you know, and then we will escalate from there,”

The CEO of the Whistler Chamber of Commerce is welcoming the full smoking ban.

Val Litwin says the move is bold and shows leadership.

He isn’t worried about the potential impact on business and tourism.

“I’m sure you are going to have some guests that are going to say something about it, but I think the bigger picture here is we are a town that promotes healthy activity, we raise world class athletes here, we want to support and promote people’s health, and to have that pristine experience while they are up here.”

Litwin says more signage around businesses will make sure everyone is aware of the smoke-free policy.

As of May 31, 2016, the smoke-free policy will also apply to all staff.

I’m amused.
As long as it is legal to purchase cigarettes, and Government receives tax revenue, how can they ever expect to ban smoking ?
There will be a lot of Asian tourists looking for a bus ride out of the area as soon as they are told to butt out.

Ban asthma puffers?? What is that about? You do realize that one of the great things about Whistler is that it is primarily a walkable environment. I’ve been there for a week at a time and never touched my car.

Whistler Blackcomb is a private resort business and has the legal right to impose conditions of use which it believes is in its self interests and the majority of its customers. Those who object can and will decide not to patronize Its resort ptoperties.

Considering that forecasts are calling for a very dry summer with higher incidences of forest fires, WB has made a sound decision by getting ahead of the issue ……especially if the forecasts prove accurate.

The world has moved far along from the 1990,s when the provincial government tried to ban smoking in restaurants and bars. Today, most do not resist or question the efforts of governments, cities, towns and now private businesses to ban smoking for the obvious reasons.

Why so hard? Business’s must get on board or face fines. In white Rock there is no smoking on patios or sidewalks in front of restaurants. People must go across the street. I live in a condo complex where you cannot smoke within the complex anywhere. Not on decks, walking area and it is so nice not to have to put up with the stink of tobacco or any kind of device to smoke. I am an ex smoker so don’t think I don’t know how hard it is but now I have quit it is so nice to not have to smell and breathe someone else’s smoke.